-
-
-
-
µg
Microgram (1-millionth of a gram)
-
µl
microliter (1 millionth of a liter)
-
µm
Micrometer (one-millionth meter)
-
131I
Radioactive isotope of iodine
-
5-FU
5-fluorouracil (chemotherapy drug)
-
A & P
Auscultation and percussion
-
-
-
-
a.c.
Before meals – ante cibum
-
a.m. or AM
In the morning or before noon
-
A2 or A2
Aortic valve closure (heart sound)
-
aa (line over both a)
of each
-
AAA
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
-
AAL
Anterior axillary line
-
-
-
ABCD
Asymmetry, border, color, diameter
-
-
-
AC join
Acromioclavicular joint
-
ACE
Angiotensin-converting enzyme
-
ACh
Acetylcholine (neurotransmitter)
-
ACL
Anterior cruciate ligament (of knee)
-
ACS
Acute coronary syndromes
-
ACTH
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
-
AD
Right (auris dextra); Alzheimer disease
-
AD LIB
As Desired, As Much As Needed
-
-
ADA
American Diabetic Association Diet
-
ADD
Attention deficit disorder
-
-
-
ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
-
ADL
Activities of daily living
-
ADT
Admission, discharge, transfer
-
-
AFB
Acid-fast bacillus; TB organism
-
AFO
Ankle foot orthosis (device for stabilization)
-
-
-
Agranulocyte
A non-granular leukocyte
-
AHF
Anti-hemophilic factor (coagulation factor XIII)
-
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency syndrome
-
AIHA
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
-
AKA
Above knee amputation
-
-
Albinism
Condition of lack of melanin
-
alk phos
Alkaline phosphate (elevated in liver disease)
-
ALL
Acute lymphocytic leukemia
-
ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig disease)
-
ALT
Alanine aminotransferase (elevated in liver and heart disease); formerly SGPT
-
AMA
Against medical advise; American Medical Association
-
Amb
Ambulate, ambulatory (walk)
-
AMD
Age-related macular degeneration
-
Amenorrhea
Without menstruation
-
AMI
Acute myocardial infarction
-
AML
Acute myelocytic (myelogenous) leukemia
-
-
-
-
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count
-
AP or A/P
Anteroposterior
-
-
APC
Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), phenacetin and caffeine
-
APH
Adult Psychiatric Hospital
-
-
-
aq.
Water (aqua); aqueous
-
ARDS
Adult respiratory distress syndrome
-
AROM
Active range of motion
-
AS
Auris sinistra (left ear); aortic stenosis (narrowing or stricture)
-
ASA
Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)
-
-
ASD
Atrial septal defect (congenital defect in septum not closing)
-
ASHD
Arteriosclerotic heart disease
-
AST
Aspartate aminotransferase (elevated in liver and heart disease); formerly SGPT
-
-
AU
Each ear, both ears (auris uterque)
-
-
AV
Arteriovenous; atrioventricular
-
AVM
arteriovenous malformation
-
AVR
Aortic valve replacement
-
-
B Cells
Lymphocytes produced in the bone marrow
-
-
-
-
-
-
BAL
Bronchoalveolar lavage
-
-
-
-
BC
Bone conduction, Birth Control
-
-
BID
Twice A Day, 2x A Day
-
Bio or Biochem
Biochemistry Or Chemical Pathology
-
BKA
Below-knee amputation
-
-
-
-
BMT
Bone marrow transplant
-
-
BPH
Benign prostate hyperplasia (hypertrophy)
-
BRBPR
Bright red blood per rectum
-
-
-
BSE
Breast self-examination
-
BSO
Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
-
BSP
Bromsulphalein; dye used in liver function test. It’s retention is indicative of liver damage or disease
-
BT
Barrier Tray, Brain Tumor, Bleeding Time
-
-
-
-
-
-
C&S
Culture and sensitivity
-
-
c/w
Compare with; consistent with
-
C1, C2
First, second of cervical vertebra
-
-
CA
Cancer; carcinoma cardiac arrest; chronological age
-
CABG
Coronary artery bypass graft (surgery)
-
CAD
Coronary artery disease
-
-
-
-
CAPD
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
-
-
CARD. CATH
Cardiac Catheterization
-
CAT
Computerized axial tomography
-
Cath
Catheter; catheterization
-
CBC
Complete blood cell count
-
CBT
Cognitive behavior therapy
-
CC
Cubic Centimeter, Chief Complaint
-
CCMS
Clean Catch Midstream
-
CCU
Coronary care unit; critical care unit
-
CDC
Center for disease control
-
CDH
Congenital dislocated hip
-
CEA
Carcinoembryonic antigen
-
CF
Cystic fibrosis; complement fixation
-
-
CFH
Congestive heart failure
-
cGy
Centigray (one hundredth of a gray; a rad)
-
CHD
Coronary heart disease; chronic heart disease
-
-
CHF
Congestive Heart Failure
-
-
-
-
CIN
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
-
-
-
CKD
Chronic kidney disease
-
-
-
-
CLD
Chronic liver disease
-
CLL
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
-
-
CMA
Certified medical assistant
-
-
CML
Chronic myelogenous leukemia
-
-
CNS
Central nervous system
-
-
CO
Carbon monoxide; cardiac output
-
-
COD
Chronic airway obstruction, Condition on discharge
-
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
-
CP
Cerebral palsy; chest pain
-
-
CPAP
Continuous positive airway pressure
-
CPD
cephalopelvic disproportion
-
CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
-
CR
Complete response; cardiorespiratory
-
CRF
Chronic renal failure
-
C-section
Cesarean section
-
CSF
Cerebrospinal fluid; colony-stimulating factor
-
C-spine
Cervical spine films
-
CSS
Central Sterile Supply
-
-
-
CTA
Clear to auscultation
-
CTS
Carpal tunnel syndrome
-
-
CVA
Cerebrovascular accident; costovertebral angle
-
CVP
Central venous pressure
-
CVS
Cardiovascular system; chorionic villus sampling
-
-
-
-
D&C
Dilatation (dilation) and curettage
-
D. O.
Doctor of osteopathy
-
D.C., D/C, d/c
Discontinue Or Discharge
-
-
-
-
DCIS
ductal carcinoma in situ
-
DD
Discharge diagnosis; differential diagnosis
-
Decub.
decubitus; lying down
-
-
DES
Diethylstilbestrol; diffuse esophageal spasm
-
DI
Diabetes insipidus; diagnostic imaging
-
DIC
Disseminated intravascular coagulation
-
DICOM
Digital image communication in medicine
-
-
-
-
dL, dl
Deciliter (1/10 liter)
-
DLco
Diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide
-
DLE
Discoid lupus erythematosus
-
-
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid
-
-
-
-
-
-
DPT
Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (vaccine)
-
-
DRG
Diagnosis-related group
-
DSA
Digital subtraction angiography
-
DSD
dry, sterile dressing
-
DSM
Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
-
DT
Delirium tremens (caused by alcohol withdrawal)
-
-
DUB
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
-
-
-
-
ECC
Endocervical curettage; extracorporeal circulation
-
ECF
Extended-care facility
-
-
-
ECMO
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
-
ECT
Electroconvulsive therapy
-
-
EDC
Estimated date of confinement
-
-
EENT
Eyes, ear, nose and throat
-
EGD
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
-
-
ELISA
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (AIDS test)
-
-
-
-
-
EOM
Extraocular movement; extraocular muscles
-
-
EPO
Erythropoietin (poietin: stimulatory factor)
-
ER
Emergency room; estrogen receptor
-
ERCP
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
-
ERT
Estrogen replacement therapy
-
ESR
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
-
ESRD
End-state renal disease
-
ESWL
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
-
-
-
ETT
Exercise tolerance test
-
-
-
-
FACP
Fellow, American College of Physicians
-
FACS
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
-
FB
Fingerbreadth; foreign body
-
-
FDA
Food and Drug Administration
-
-
FEF
Forced expiratory flow
-
FEV 1
Forced expiratory volume in first second
-
-
-
-
-
-
flex sig
flexible sigmoidoscopy
-
-
-
FROM
Full range of movement/motion
-
FSH
Follicle-stimulating hormone
-
FUO
Fever of undetermined origin
-
-
-
-
-
G6PD
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (enzyme missing in inherited red blood cell disorder
-
-
GABA
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (neurotransmitter)
-
-
GBS
Gallbladder series x-rays
-
-
G-CSF
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
-
-
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
-
GFR
Glomerular filtration rate
-
-
-
GM-CSF
Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor
-
-
Grav. 1, 2, 3
First, second, third pregnancy
-
GTT
Glucose tolerance test
-
gtt
Drop (gutta), drops (guttae)
-
-
Gy
Gray (unit of radiation = 100 rad)
-
-
-
H&H
Hematocrit and hemoglobin (rbc tests)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
H2 blocker
H2 (histamine) – receptor antagonist (inhibitor of gastric acid secretion)
-
-
HAART
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (for AIDS)
-
-
HbA1C
glycosylated hemoglobin test (for diabetes)
-
-
HCG (hCG)
Human chorionic gonadotropin
-
-
-
-
-
HCVD
Hypertensive cardiovascular disease
-
HD
hemodialysis (artificial kidney machine)
-
HDL
High density lipoprotein
-
-
HEENT
Head, eyes, ear, nose and throat
-
Hemianopsia
Blindness of half of the vision in one or both eyes
-
-
Hemophilia
Problem coagulating
-
Hemostasis
The arrest of bleeding
-
-
HIPAA
Health Insurance portability and accountability Act
-
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus
-
HLA
Histocompatibility locus antigen (identifies cells as self)
-
HPF; hpf
High-power field
-
HPI
History of present illness
-
-
HRT
Hormone replacement therapy
-
hs
Hour Of Sleep, At Bedtime
-
HSG
Hysterosalpingography
-
-
-
-
-
Hypopituitary
Growth hormone deficiency
-
-
I&D
Incision and drainage
-
-
I.Q.
Intelligence quotient
-
IBD
Inflammatory bowel disease
-
-
ICD
Implantable cardioverter/defibrillator
-
ICP
Intracranial pressure
-
ICS IS
Incentive Spirometer
-
ICSH
Interstitial cell-stimulating hormone
-
-
ID
Infectious disease, Intradermal
-
IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM
Immunoglobulins
-
IHD
Ischemic heart disease
-
IHSS
Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
-
-
IM
Intramuscular; infectious mononucleosis
-
-
-
INH
isoniazid (drug used to treat tuberculosis)
-
-
IOL
Intraocular lens (implant)
-
-
IPPB
Intermittent positive pressure breathing
-
ISC
Intermittent Self/Sterile Catherization
-
IT Suction
Intermittent Tracheal Suction
-
ITP
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
-
-
IUP
Intrauterine pregnancy
-
IV or I.V.
Intravenous (injection)
-
IVP
Intravenous pyelogram
-
IVPB
Intravenous Piggyback
-
-
-
-
-
-
KUB
Kidneys, ureters, bladder (x-ray exam)
-
-
-
-
-
L1, L2
First, second lumbar vertebra
-
-
LAD
Left anterior descending (coronary artery)
-
-
-
LBBB
Left bundle branch block (heart block)
-
-
-
LDH
Lactate dehydrogenase
-
LDL
Low-density lipoprotein
-
L-dopa
levodopa (for Parkinson’s disease)
-
LEEP
Loop electrocautery excision procedure
-
LES
Lower esophageal sphincter
-
-
-
-
-
-
LMP
last menstrual period
-
LMP
Last menstrual period
-
LMWH
Low-molecular-weight heparin
-
-
LOC
Laxative Of Choice, Loss Of Consciousness
-
-
-
-
-
LPN
Licenses practical nurse
-
-
LSD
Lysergic acid diethylamide
-
LSK
Liver, spleen and kidneys
-
LTB
laryngotracheal bronchitis (croup)
-
-
LTH
luteotropic hormone (prolactin, luteotropin)
-
LUL
Left upper lobe (lung)
-
-
-
LVAD
Left ventricular assist device
-
-
-
-
m/µ
Millimicron (1/1000 micron; a micron is 10-3 mm)
-
-
MAC
Monitored anesthesia care
-
MAI
Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (late stage AIDS myco bacterial infection)
-
MAOI
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (antidepressant drug)
-
MBD
Minimal brain dysfunction (mnemonics: may brain dead)
-
-
MCH, MCHC
Mean corpuscular hgb (average amount in each red blood cell)
-
-
MCP
Metacarpophalangeal joint
-
MCV
Mean corpuscular volume (average size of a red blood cell)
-
-
MDR
Minimum daily requirement
-
MED
Minimum effective dose
-
-
mEq/L
Milliequivalent per liter (measurement of the concentration of a solution)
-
-
-
-
-
mg/cc
Milligram per cubic centimeter
-
mg/dl
Milligram per deciliter
-
MH
Marital history; mental health
-
MI
Myocardial infarction ; mitral insufficiency
-
-
mL, ml
Milliliter (1/1000 liter)
-
MMPI
Minnesota Multiphasic personality inventory
-
MMR
Measles-mumps-rubella (vaccine)
-
MMT
Manual muscle testing
-
-
-
monos
monocytes (white blood cell)
-
MR
Mitral regurgitation; magnetic resonance
-
MRA
Magnetic resonance angiogram
-
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging
-
-
-
-
-
MUGA
Multiple-gated acquisition scan (of heart)
-
Multip
multipara; multiparous
-
MVP
mitral valve prolapse
-
-
N and V
nausea and vomiting
-
-
-
-
-
-
NBS
Normal bowel or breath sounds
-
ND
Normal delivery; normal development
-
NED
No evidence of disease
-
-
-
-
NICU
Neonatal intensive care
-
NK cells
Natural killer cells
-
-
NKDA
No known drug allergies
-
NMP
normal menstrual period
-
-
-
NSAID
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
-
NSR
Normal sinus rhythm (of heart)
-
NTP
Normal temperature and pressure
-
-
-
O.T.
Occupational therapy
-
-
-
OB/GYN
Obstetrics/gynecology
-
-
OCPs
Oral contraceptive pills
-
OD
Oculus dexter (right eye); over dose
-
-
ORIF
Open reduction internal fixation
-
-
OS
Auris sinister (left eye)
-
-
-
-
-
OU
Each eye (oculus uterque)
-
-
-
P
Phosphorus; posterior; pressure; pulse; pupil
-
-
P&A
Percussion and auscultation
-
p.c., pc
After meal (post cibum)
-
-
p.r.n.
pro re nata (as required)
-
-
P2
Pulmonary valve closure (heart sound)
-
PA
Pulmonary artery; posteroanterior
-
-
PAC
Premature atrial contraction
-
PaCO2, pCO2
Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in blood
-
PACS
Picture archival communications system
-
Palp.
Palpable; palpation
-
PALS
Pediatric advanced life support
-
PaO2, pO2
Partial pressure of oxygen in blood
-
Pap smear
Papanicolaou smear (cells from cervix and vagina)
-
-
Para 1, 2, 3
unipara, bipara, tripara (number of viable births)
-
-
PCA
Patient controlled anesthesia
-
PCI
percutaneous coronary interventions
-
-
PCP
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; phencyclidine (hallucinogen)
-
PCR
Polymerase chain reaction (process allows making copies of genes)
-
-
PDA
patent (open, unobstructed; evident apparent) ductus arteriosus
-
PDR
Physicians’ desk reference
-
PE
Physician examination; pulmonary embolism
-
PE tube
Ventilating tube for eardrum
-
-
PEEP
Positive end-expiratory pressure
-
PEG
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (a feeding tube)
-
PEJ
Percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (a feeding tube)
-
-
-
-
PERRLA
Pupils equal, round, react to light and accommodation
-
PET
Positron emission tomography
-
PFT
Pulmonary function test
-
-
-
pH
Hydrogen ion concentration (alkalinity and acidity measurement)
-
-
PID
Pelvic inflammatory disease
-
PIP
Proximal interphalangeal joint
-
-
PM or p.m.
Afternoon (post meridian)
-
-
PMN
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte
-
PMS
Premenstrual syndrome
-
PND
Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
-
-
Poly
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte
-
-
postop
Postoperative (after surgery)
-
PPBS
Postprandial blood sugar
-
PPD
purified protein derivative
-
PPD
Purified protein derivative (test for tuberculosis)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
pro. time
Prothrombin time
-
-
-
PSA
Prostate-specific antigen
-
-
PT
Prothrombin time; physical therapy
-
-
-
PTC
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography
-
PTCA
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
-
-
PTHC
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography
-
-
PTT
Partial thromboplastin time (test of blood clotting)
-
-
PUVA therapy
Psoralen ultraviolet A (treatment for psoriasis)
-
PVC
Premature ventricular contraction
-
PVD
Peripheral vascular disease
-
PWB
Partial weight bearing
-
-
-
-
-
q.d.
Every day (quaque die)
-
q.h.
Every hour (quaque hora)
-
q.i.d.
Four times a day (quater in die)
-
q.s.
As much as suffices (quantum sufficit)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
QNS, qns
quantity not sufficient
-
-
QRS
Wave complex in an electrocardiographic study
-
-
-
R.D.D.A
Recommended daily dietary allowance
-
-
RA
Rheumatoid arthritis; right atrium
-
-
-
RBBB
Right bundle branch block
-
RBC, rbc
Red blood count 9cell)
-
RDS
Respiratory distress syndrome
-
-
-
-
Rh (factor)
Rhesus (monkey) factor in blood
-
RhoGAM
Drug to prevent Rh factor reaction in Rh-negative women
-
RIA
Radioimmunoassay (minute quantities are measured)
-
RLL
Right lower lobe (lung)
-
-
RML
Right middle lobe (lung)
-
-
-
-
RRR
Regular rate and rhythm (of the heart)
-
RT
Right; radiation therapy
-
RUL
Right upper lobe (lung)
-
-
-
-
Rx
Treatment; therapy; prescription
-
-
s.o.s.
If necessary (si opus sit)
-
-
S/P
Status post (previous disease condition)
-
-
S1, S2
First, second sacral vertebra
-
S-A node
Sinoatrial node (pacemaker of heart)
-
SAD
Seasonal affective disorder
-
SARS
Severe acute respiratory syndrome
-
SBE
subacute bacterial endocarditis
-
SBFT
Small bowel follow-through (x-rays of small intestine)
-
SC, SQ, sc, subcut
Subcutaneous
-
sed. rate
Sedimentation rate (rate of erythrocyte sedimentation)
-
segs
Segmented neutrophils; polys
-
SERM
Selective estrogen receptor modulator
-
SGOT (AST)
Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase
-
SGPT (ALT)
Serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase
-
SIADH
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
-
SIDS
Sudden infant death syndrome
-
-
-
-
SLE
Systemic lupus erythematosus
-
-
SMA-12
Twelve blood chemistries
-
SMAC
Automated analytical device for testing blood
-
SOAP
Subjective, objective, assessment, and plan (used for patient notes)
-
-
-
-
SPECT
Single-photon emission computed tomography
-
SSCP
substernal chest pain
-
SSRI
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (antidepressant)
-
Staph.
Staphylococci (berry-shaped bacteria in clusters)
-
stat.
Immediately (statim)
-
STH
somatotropin (growth hormone)
-
STI
Sexually transmitted infection
-
Strep.
Streptococci (berry-shaped bacteria in twisted chains)
-
-
SVD
Spontaneous vaginal delivery
-
SVN
Small Volume Nebulizer
-
-
-
-
T & A
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
-
T and A
tonsils and adenoids
-
T cells
Lymphocytes produced in the thymus gland
-
T tube
Tube placed in biliary tract for drainage
-
-
t.i.d.
Three times daily (ter in die)
-
T1, T2
First, second thoracic vertebra
-
-
-
TA or TAB
Therapeutic abortion
-
-
TAH
Total (including cervix) abdominal hysterectomy
-
TAT (psychiatry)
Thematic apperception test
-
-
-
TEE
transesophageal echocardiogram
-
TENS
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
-
TFT
Thyroid function test
-
TIA
Transient Ischemic Attack
-
tid, TID
three times a day
-
-
-
TMJ
Temporo-mandibular joint
-
TNM
Tumor, nodes, and metastases
-
tPA
Tissue plasminogen activator
-
TPN
Total parenteral nutrition
-
TPR
Temperature, pulse and respiration
-
-
TRUS
transrectal ultrasound
-
TSH
Thyroid-stimulating hormone
-
-
TUR, TURP
Transurethral resection of the prostate
-
TVH
Total vaginal hysterectomy
-
-
-
-
-
-
UAO
Upper airway obstruction
-
-
-
-
-
URI
Upper respiratory infection
-
-
UTI
Urinary tract infection
-
-
-
V/Q scan
Ventilation-perfusion scan
-
-
-
-
VATS
Video-assisted thorascopy
-
VC
Vital capacity (of lungs)
-
VCUG
Voiding cystourethrogram
-
VDRL
Test for syphilis (venereal disease research laboratory)
-
VEGF
Vascular endothelial growth factor
-
-
vis à vis
As compared with; in relation to
-
VOID
Patient Must Empty Bladder
-
-
VSD
Ventricular septal defect
-
VT
Ventricular tachycardia (abnormal heart rhythm)
-
VTE
Venous thromboembolism
-
WAIS
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
-
-
WDWN
Well developed, well nourished
-
-
WISC
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
μg
Microgram; 1 x 10-6 gram
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